Should Jasprit Bumrah’s ‘workload management’ continue? Or should we make it clear- no exceptions- either you are available, or not.
Since the English Tour the special treatment for Bumrah has received criticism and support from the corridors of the sport. The arguments go both ways.
Here are my thoughts.
How is Workload Management Decided?
The first question that came to my mind is- how is Bumrah’s workload managed? What is process of the decision making?
Is it based on the number of days played + break days?
Number of overs bowled over a time span?
How Bumrah is feeling?
The importance of a match or series?
A physio analysis or fitness test?
It’s important to understand because nothing throws of people more than uncertainty. The ‘will he play, won’t he play’ suspense before each England Test couldn’t have been ideal for the team, captain and coach.
If the management knows exactly when he will be available, they can plan and make decisions accordingly. If it works for the team they can select him, if it doesn’t then they don’t select him. But at least they know his exact availability for before they make this choice.
If things, however, are based on subjective situations like – how Bumrah is feeling? Or a Physio’s analysis or the importance of a match? Then I’d assume it would create a problem of uncertainty.
It might be better in this situation to then either tell Bumrah that you are either available or not- you can’t hold the team planning hostage based on so many subjective factors.
The other question is who takes the call? Is it Jasprit Bumrah? The Captain? The Coach? The BCCI? Or is it a collaborative decision?
Bottom Line: Remove the subjectivity and provide clarity and visibility.
The Longevity Argument
The purpose for ‘workload management’ is career longevity. The less cricket played, the less wear and tear and therefore the longer the career.
The argument makes complete sense, but, there is a flip side to it.
The one consistent thing about the future is that it is uncertain. So what is the gameplan here for Bumrah? Prolong his career for how many years? How do we know he won’t have a devastating injury in the matches he is playing? How do we know he won’t see a serious decline in form. Virat Kohli is only 36 years old and if we are being honest, besides a few bright spots, the last 5 years of his career have been quite ordinary.
Jasprit Bumrah is 31 years old. He is bowling the best he’s every bowled. Are we going to rest him in his prime just to keep him for more time? We run the risk that in a year or two he’s not a patch on what he is today. Workload managed or not, age catches up with everyone. So, does workload management make sense?
Just something to think about
My take
Whether it be cricket, football, tennis or any other sports athletes have fought through injuries and pain and been warriors for their teams and themselves. At the same time, should you protect a national treasure like Bumrah?
Current Scenario
If there is a clear-cut system of when he will play, that allows the team management to plan- In such a situation, while not ideal, I am ok with the workload management if you want to do it. Keep in mind you run the risk of a major talent not playing during his peak.
If it is subjective based on other factors then it doesn’t make sense. Either he is available or not- can’t have it both ways
Another point-
Since his debut India have won only about 40% of Test matches that he has played in but has won about 70% of the matches he has not played in. So India does have the ability to win without him
What would I focus on?
While you may not be able to find another Jasprit Bumrah- find and develop 4-5 bowlers, who when combined, outshine his value to the team. The bowlers are out there- we just need to develop them and make them believe.
Photo Credit- Images are linked to their original sources for credit.
